A new report published this week by the Covid Counter Fraud Commissioner has revealed that fraud and error across the UK Conservative Government’s Covid support schemes between 2019 and 2024 cost taxpayers £10.9 billion. Image - UK Gov The Commissioner found major economic support programmes, including furlough, bounce-back loans, and Eat Out to Help Out, were introduced with a ‘high level of fraud risk’ and minimal safeguards, leaving public funds vulnerable and creating opp

Aviation Editor Doug Maclean At a gala night at the Park Plaza Westminster hotel last night Prestwick was crowned UK Air Freight Business of the Year. It is a fabulous recognition for several years of hard work by Nico Le Roux and his small but incredibly good team. The turnaround is remarkable. A whole new business has been created. Traditionally it was exciting to see a new service start at one a week. We have gone from Scotland never having a dedicated freight service to C

Communities first plan approved as North Ayrshire reports progress on learning and development A council plan aimed at strengthening communities through adult learning, youth work and capacity building has been approved, with North Ayrshire Council reporting progress on key outcomes across the area. The Strategic Community Learning and Development (CLD) Plan Annual Report for 2024-25 was presented to Cabinet, outlining progress under the current three-year plan covering 2024